Former Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce was asked one of the worst questions in sports media and he had a perfect response
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce spoke with reporters this week after going through rookie minicamp with the Atlanta Falcons.
During his media session, Pearce was asked one of the worst questions in sports media.
And the former Vol had a perfect response.
Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t stand when a player is asked to compare himself to a current pro player. It’s a question we will hear 500ish times over the next couple of months as a wave of new players enter the NFL.
Players usually struggle to answer the question because they’re really just trying to be the best versions of themselves.
Pearce, however, didn’t hesitate while answering the very cliché question.
“Not necessarily,” said Pearce when asked if there was a player that he idolizes or models his game after. “I like seeing people get home and watch the rushers a little bit, but [there’s] nobody that I idolize. There’s some good rushers out there for sure, though.”
That’s a perfect way to handle that question — Pearce showed respect for other rushers, but made it clear that he’s not trying to specifically model his game after another pro player. He just wants to be the best version of James Pearce.
Pearce, by the way, wasn’t the only former Vols edge rusher that was asked that question this week.
Former Tennessee/Miami edge rusher Tyler Baron was asked the same question TWICE this weekend.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s someone I’m trying to mirror,” said Baron during his media session after the New York Jets’ minicamp. “We obviously have great rushers here, so just trying to take things from the older guys when we get with them next week.”
Baron was asked the same question during a one-on-one with SNY’s Jeane Coakley. “I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s somebody that I model [my game] after, I just kind of learn from the older guys,” said Baron.
